Critics and Users Condemn ‘The Witcher’ Season 4 on Rotten Tomatoes
The recent release of The Witcher Season 4, featuring Liam Hemsworth as Geralt of Rivia, has sparked significant backlash from critics and viewers alike. This new installment, which was made available on Netflix on Thursday, is the first to diverge from the original portrayal by Henry Cavill, who starred as the main character for the first three seasons from 2019 to 2023.
Reception on Rotten Tomatoes
As of now, The Witcher Season 4 holds a 53% “rotten” rating from critics, based on 17 reviews. The user ratings are even lower, with a 19% “rotten” score from over 100 verified users. The critical consensus and audience summary are yet to be published.
Comparison with Previous Seasons
For context, here are the ratings for the earlier seasons:
- Season 1: 68% “fresh” (92 reviews) and 88% Popcornmeter score (over 10,000 ratings)
- Season 2: 95% “fresh” (64 reviews) but a 54% “rotten” Popcornmeter score (5,000 ratings)
- Season 3: 79% “fresh” (47 reviews) and 20% “rotten” (2,500 ratings)
Plot Overview and Cast
The official synopsis for Season 4 describes a chaotic landscape following the events of Season 3. Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri must navigate their separation amidst a raging war and new foes while encountering unexpected allies. This season promises to explore themes of family and unity.
Critics’ Feedback
Opinions among critics vary. Some reviewers, such as Aramide Tinubu from Variety, commend the season for being more action-packed and engaging than its predecessor. Conversely, Ed Power of the Daily Telegraph acknowledges Hemsworth’s performance as entertaining yet absurd, emblematic of a bygone fantasy era.
Critics like Sarah Dempster from The Guardian and Chase Hutchinson from The Wrap have voiced dissatisfaction with Hemsworth’s portrayal. Dempster describes the character’s shift from a “valorous man” to a less commanding presence. Hutchinson argues that Cavill’s prior performance brought dimension to the role, while Hemsworth’s turn feels inadequate, hindering the show’s appeal.
Conclusion
As The Witcher Season 4 begins streaming, it faces a challenging reception that raises questions about its future in the realm of fantasy television. The continuation of this beloved series may be contingent on how well it can adapt and resonate with its audience moving forward.
